Amano-iwato Shrine

Miyazaki

Visit the cave of the legend where the Sun Goddess hid herself
At Takachiho, the birthplace of Japanese myths

According to a Japanese myth, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu-omikami hid herself in a cave called Amanoiwato to avoid Susanoo-no-mikoto, her brother. This is an interpretation of a solar eclipse by ancient Japanese. Tradition says that Amano Iwato Shrine is dedicated to the cave. It is not clear when the shrine was founded but it is said that Higashihongu (east hall) was built during the 9th century.

The main shrine called Higashihongu and a hall of worship called Nishihongu (west hall) face each other across the Iwato River gorge. Amano Iwato cave is the object of worship in festivals and is a rock cave yawning on the other side of the Iwato River from Nishihongu. You can view the cave from Nishihongu after participating in a Shinto ritual for purification. Photography is prohibited.

The grounds are a treasure house of plants, including old trees. Fall leaves around Nishihongu paint the whole surroundings with a sublime and delicate beauty in fall. There are also rare ancient ginkgo and michelia compressa trees, which have been sacred in Japan since ancient times.

Information

Address: Iwato, Takachiho-cho, MiyazakiPhone: 0982-73-1213 (Takachiho-Town Tourism Association)Admission Fee: Free entry to the groundsDirections: One hour and 16 minutes by Miyako Bus for Takachiho from Nobeoka Station on Nippo Honsen (4 hours and 20 minutes from Hakata) to the last stop, 16 minutes by Miyako Bus for Amano-Iwato Shrine to the last stop and a short walk to the destination. (Car) 2 hours from Matsubase Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway.